As enterprises increasingly transition to the public cloud, they face a crucial decision: should they manage software firewalls in-house or outsource this critical function to experts? This question arises among companies eager to modernize their security strategies within the cloud environment. This blog focuses on the advantages of integrating a fully managed Firewall-as-a-Service (FWaaS) into your security architecture.

At Palo Alto Networks, we offer two options for Software Firewalls: the Palo Alto Networks-managed version, called Cloud NGFW, and the self-managed VM-Series. With Cloud NGFW, our experts handle all aspects of running and operating your public cloud firewalls at peak performance. Alternatively, with the self-managed VM-Series, we provide a BYOL version of our technology, allowing you to customize the deployment to fit your specific requirements.

We'll explore why choosing a managed FWaaS is a smart and efficient strategy, emphasizing the practical benefits and strategic value of delegating firewall management to experts like Palo Alto Networks. Cloud NGFW, Palo Alto Networks' FWaaS solution for both AWS and Azure, is designed to alleviate the operational burden of firewall management with a 99.99% uptime guarantee, significantly reducing the heavy lifting required to secure your network.

Demonstrable Cost Savings and Reduced Total Cost of Ownership

Firewall management can be complex, especially in the dynamic public cloud environment. It involves maintaining infrastructure functionality and availability in a constantly changing public cloud environment while managing access rules and security policies. Palo Alto Networks' Cloud NGFW is designed to alleviate this burden by providing a highly reliable solution that ensures your network is secure and efficient.

By reducing the operational challenges of DIY firewalls and ensuring a robust SLA, Cloud NGFW reduces the total cost of ownership. Its efficiency allows for smaller infrastructure teams, providing significant long-term savings. According to a recent Forrester Consulting study, Palo Alto Networks software firewalls “Delivered a 163% ROI and benefits of $5.98 million over three years, with costs of $2.28 million, resulting in a net present value (NPV) of $3.70 million.”

The Strategic Choice: Palo Alto Networks’ Cloud NGFW

Our Cloud NGFW solution offers several benefits that address common pain points associated with managing firewalls in a cloud environment:

• Improved operational Efficiency and Simplified management compared to Traditional Solutions: Cloud NGFW handles everything from software patches to security updates and bug fixes, significantly reducing the need for infrastructure management. This streamlined approach allows your business to focus on growth and innovation without being bogged down by the complex and time-consuming maintenance that comes with managing firewalls in-house.
• Scalability and reliability for high performance: With a 99.99% uptime guarantee, Cloud NGFW for AWS and Azure provides robust and efficient network performance even during peak demand. Built-in features like burst protection and session draining during scale-in ensure uninterrupted operations.
• Consistent security through centralized management: Tools like Strata Cloud Manager (SCM) or Panorama offer seamless control over security policies, simplifying administration and ensuring consistent protection across diverse cloud environments. Enterprises gain not just visibility but also unmatched control, allowing for comprehensive security policy enforcement and simplified management through a single pane of glass interface across all major public clouds.
• Advanced cloud-native integration for enhanced security: Cloud NGFW integrates with native services across AWS, Azure and Google Cloud, enhancing security features like Azure logging, AWS Firewall Manager and Google Cloud Layer 7 inspections. This ensures seamless security while delivering superior threat protection. This integration ensures that Cloud NGFW not only feels like a cloud-native solution but also delivers superior threat efficacy.
• Demonstrable cost savings and reduced total cost of ownership: Cloud NGFW reduces the total cost of ownership by reducing the operational burden of DIY firewalls and ensuring a robust 99.99% SLA. Its efficiency allows for smaller infrastructure teams, providing significant long-term savings.
• Comprehensive support and industry-leading expertise: Cloud NGFW provides access to Palo Alto Networks' premium support, providing expert assistance with configurations, troubleshooting and best practices. This partnership ensures that your security is optimized and maintained.

Elevate Your Cloud Security Strategy with Cloud NGFW

Palo Alto Networks' Cloud NGFW is a transformative solution for enterprises seeking simplified security management, improved network performance and reduced costs. By adopting this service, your enterprise will benefit from industry-leading technology and expertise, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational expenses.

Explore the advantages of Palo Alto Networks Cloud NGFW and start your free trial for AWS or Azure to transform your network security strategy. Connect with our experts today and start your journey toward a more secure, efficient and cost-effective security architecture.